Customers in the compact class are already spoiled for choice and now BMW has made it harder for prospective buyers to make up their minds by driving a remodelled version of its X2 crossover into showrooms.
After fielding the 1 Series Saloon, the 2 Series Coupé, the Active Tourer and the X1, the Bavarians seem determined to win the beauty prize in this segment and the stand-out X2 blends sporty visuals with elegance.
As with every coupé, however, customers are made to pay for such good looks. With an entry level price ticket of €46,600, the X2 is 10% more expensive than the X1 and yet offers slightly less space inside.
The remodelled X2 still looks edgy and aggressive but BMW has toned down the quirkiness to produce a car which is more geared towards everyday use than its predecessor.
The slinky coupé line, a kidney grille that can be described as moderate compared to its siblings in the current BMW range, and neat rear-end treatment add up to a desirable car, with decent handling and useful performance.
Inside, the X2's digital cockpit delivers a sporty vibe and features BMW's latest infotainment software. It works well but sadly so many useful settings and features are buried deep in menus and sub-menus.
The advanced digital voice assistant needs just a "Hey, BMW," to do everything from changing vehicle settings to finding the closest bakery. Siri or Google Assistant are on call too via wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
The rear of the reborn X2 offers more space than before as the wheelbase has grown from 2.67 to 2.69 metres, creating more knee room for back seat occupants. The new X2 is also almost 20 centimetres taller than the old one at around 4.55 metres, allowing for a larger boot: Between 560 and 1,470 litres can be accommodated behind the large hatch, around 100 litres more than before.
One of the provocations of the original X2 was BMW's odd decision not to offer electric propulsion on the model and this has now been amended.
For petrol-heads though the X2 is still available as an M35i with 220 kW/300 hp on tap and the performance of a sports car. It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds with a loud roar and keeps on surging until the electronics impose a limit of 250 km/h.
The electric iX2 comes either as a front-wheel drive model with 170 kW/204 hp or as an all-wheel drive model with 230 kW/313 hp.
The latter provides a pleasantly engaging driving experience, taking 5.6 seconds for the zero-to-100 sprint. Top speed is 180 km/h, which will not wow a typical BMW driver but it is faster than most of the competition's EVs.
The car's handling is both poised and grippy and fast cornering is more fun thanks to the wider track. The battery is now in the floor, lowering the centre of gravity. With a capacity of around 65 kWh, it provides enough juice for up to 478 kilometres of range, depending on the variant.
Charging performance is not a strong point however. With 11 kW as standard and an optional 22 kW at the home wallbox, a maximum of only 130 kW on direct current is possible, delivering only average charging performance. Many competitors do much better - and without the premium prices charged by BMW.
BMW offers two more petrol engines on the X2 with outputs from 110 kW/150 hp upwards as well as two diesels.
Even though it operates in the SUV coupé niche, this car offers more choices than most of its competitors, especially compared to its German rivals.
In fact, the level of diversity offered within the X2 range is unequalled by Audi or Mercedes or indeed by the Chinese.
This car is anything but boring with enough individuality behind the silhouette to let it stand out from the crossover-SUV crowd.
